Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of making the top eight, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- JĂşlio RomĂŁo: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed is the average from all the submissions.